Major housing plan rebranded as 'garden communities'

Tewkesbury Borough Council leader Richard Stanley said the rebrand is 'vital'

Major plans for a new development of 10,000 homes near Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire have been rebranded as “a series of connected garden communities”.

Tewkesbury Borough Council (TBC) has approved a revised vision for the project, previously known as Tewkesbury Garden Town.

The changes come after feedback from parish councils and other groups

The revised vision for the programme includes comprehensively planned, connected communities.

All communities will need to be connected by shared infrastructure, including secondary schooling, cycle paths and improvements to rail services.

Tewkesbury Borough Council say they hope this will help new and existing residents to enjoy the best possible quality of life.

From October 2023 to January 2024, residents, parish councils and community organisations shared their views on the project.

They discussed green spaces, wildlife and quality of build and infrastructure at a series of workshops.

Borough councillors voted to endorse the charter at a full council meeting in February, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The council is now inviting developers, community groups and local businesses to do the same.

Council leader Richard Stanley said: “The approval of the Garden Communities Charter marks a pivotal moment for our borough, reflecting a collective commitment to sustainable, community-focused development.

“This charter sets a strong foundation for well-planned, connected communities that prioritise quality of life for all".